This blog is to provide a forum for students enrolled in Systems Management Course at IIIT-Delhi to have a meaningful discussion related to the course.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 32 AND 64 BIT WINDOWS

The main differences between the 32-bit versions of Windows and the 64-bit versions of Windows relate to memory accessibility, memory management, and enhanced security features. The security features that are available in the 64-bit versions of Windows include the following:

Kernel Patch Protection

Support for hardware-backed Data Execution Protection (DEP)

Mandatory driver signing

Removal of support for 32-bit drivers

Removal of the 16-bit subsystem

One of the greatest advantages of using a 64-bit version of Windows is the ability to access physical memory (RAM) that is above the 4-gigabyte (GB) range. This physical memory is not addressable by 32-bit versions .Depending on the version of Windows that is installed, a 64-bit version of Windows supports from 1 GB of RAM to more than 128 GB of RAM. The ability to address more physical memory lets Windows minimize the time that is required to swap processes in and out of physical memory. Therefore, Windows can manage processes more efficiently. This memory management feature helps improve the overall performance of Windows .

Advantages when you install a 64-bit version of Windows

Increased memory support beyond that of the 4-GB addressable memory space that is available in a 32-bit operating system

Increased program performance for programs that are written to take advantage of a 64-bit operating system

Enhanced security features

What to consider when you install a 64-bit version of Windows

64-bit device drivers may not be available for one or more devices in the computer.

Device drivers must be digitally signed.

32-bit device drivers are not supported.

32-bit programs may not be fully compatible with a 64-bit operating system.

It may be difficult to locate programs that are written specifically for a 64-bit operating system.

Not all hardware devices may be compatible with a 64-bit version of Windows .